a large selection of them at this auction. Turkish, Oushak, antique Heriz, Bakatari, Mahal and Tabriz pieces went for prices ranging from $1,100 to $9,900 each. Also, a dazzling stainless steel and gold Rolex manís wristwatch found a new owner for $3,850, while a womanís Rolex watch of comparable quality and condition hit $3,700.

Hal Hunt Auctionsí next big sale will be an on-site affair, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 5, starting at 10 a.m. Sold will be the contents of the historic Kirkwood Mansion in Eutaw, Ala., built in 1860, comprising the lifetime estate collections of Al and Danky Blanton. The Kirkwood Mansion is located at 111 Kirkwood Dr. in Eutaw, about 35 miles southwest of Tuscaloosa, Ala., off exit 40 of I-20.

An on-site preview will be held the day before the sale, on Friday, Sept. 4, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information as the sale date approaches, log on to www.halhunt.com. Hal Hunt Auctions is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, an estate or a collection, you may call them directly at (205) 333-2517. Or you can send them an e-mail at halhunt@bellsouth.net.

Hal Hunt Auctions conducts most of its sales in its spacious showroom gallery, located at 5925 Highway 43 in Northport, Ala. The firm is dedicated to bringing the Northport-Tuscaloosa area, and the state of Alabama overall, a large supply of merchandised for dealers, rare items for collectors, and fine furnishings and accessories for decorators and individual buyers. The firm specializes in fine European and American antiques, large bronze sculptures, garden statuary, Persian rugs, fine artwork and more.

Auctions may consist of one estate or a combination of estates, or a direct import container from Europe. Sales are typically held every 4-6 weeks. Hal Hunt Auctions is open daily for wholesale, and retail by appointment. Hal Hunt represents the third generation of Hunts in the auction and import business. His father, Harry Hunt Sr., is still active in the auction business, as are two of his brothers.

For more information about Hal Hunt Auctions and the upcoming Sept. 5 on-site sale in Eutaw, Ala., you may log on to www.halhunt.com.